Heritage Buildings Mumbai

India has a diverse heritage and a history that is simply enthralling. What a paradise for travelers! And if you are among the few who have traveled to Mumbai for a wholesome experience, this city has a lot to offer. Being a port city, it has been the hub for travelers and explorers from time immemorial. The Heritage buildings of Mumbai depict the diverse monumental structure and design that is across boundaries. So if you are at Mumbai exploring, these heritage building are a must visit.

1. Gateway of India

Famous For: The Gateway of India is a monument built during the 20th Century to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911. The Gateway was later used as a proper ceremonial entrance to India for the Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay. It then was used to allow the entry and access to India. The Gateway of India is sometimes referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai.

Visiting Hours: The Gateway of India is open throughout the day and closes by 10 PM at night.

Location: It is located in Colaba, South Mumbai, 2.5 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal and 2.4 km from Churchgate. Some nearby locations that might help in locating the Gateway to India are Elephanta Caves and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

2. The Town Hall

Famous For: Designed by Colonel Thomas Cowper, this heritage structure houses the Asiatic Society of Mumbai. This monument was built in 1833, and till date is quite an breath taker. With a portico adorned with eight, iconic Doric columns and a flight of 30 steps leading up to it, the building stands as one of the most beautiful architectural monuments in Mumbai. Another striking feature of this amazing monument is The library of the Asiatic Society, which makes up a part of this monument as well. It treasures almost a fifteen thousand valuable books.

Visiting Hours: The town hall is opened from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM and is opened from Mondays to Saturdays. It remains closed on Sundays.

Location: It is located at Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort, Mumbai. Nearer tourist locations would be Horniman Circle Gardens and St. Thomas Cathedral church. This place can be reached by a taxi or an Uber.

3. Mount Mary’s Basilica

Famous For: Mount Mary's Basilica also known as the Mount Mary's Church is one of the city's oldest and popular historical churches. Built around 1570, the basilica has had its share of renovations in 1640 and 1760. It was last worked on in 1904 by an architect Shapoorjee Chandabhoy, and has been the same ever since. The statue of Mother Mary in the Basilica is believed to have been brought in by the Portuguese. The feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated here on the first Sunday after 8 September, which is the birthday of the Virgin Mary.

Visiting Hours: Normally the Basilica is opened from 8 AM to 1:30 PM and again from 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Devotees are allowed to visit and pray. On first Friday of every month, 6 PM is recognised as the holy hour, and people gather here to pray. The 'Bandra Fair'also known as the 'Feast of Mount Mary' is a 7 day long celebration held every September at the Mount Mary Church. This too is a good time to visit the Basilica.

Location: Mt. Mary's Road, Near Bandstand, Bandra West, Mumbai. Nearby locations that may help in locating the Basilica are Father Agnel Church and Jogger's Park.

4. Taj Mahal Palace

Famous For: Besides being the most photographed monument, the Taj Mahal Palace is one of the most popular of five star hotels. It has many historical significances like during World War I the hotel was converted into a military hospital with six hundred beds, and it is known to be the among the first few buildings in the country to get the intellectual property rights protection for its impeccable architectural design. With five hundred and fifty rooms, six floors in The Taj Mahal Palace and twenty floors in the Taj Mahal Tower, this moment is undoubtedly the most beautiful and expensive of hotels in Mumbai.

Visiting Hours: The hotel is open for twenty four hours and can be checked in at any time.

Location: The Taj Mahal Palace is located at Apollo Bandar, Colaba.

5. Haji Ali Dargah

Famous For: Built in about 1431, this mosque was created in memory of Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was a Muslim merchant. He was said to have given up all his possessions and settled down in Mumbai after paying a pilgrimage to Mecca. The monument which is erected on an island, is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip that can only be seen during low tide.

Visiting Hours: The mosque is opened from 5:30 AM to 10 PM each day.

Location: The mosque is located close to the Mahalakshmi railway station, Mumbai Central Station and Byculla railway station and it can be easily reached by road via Ghatkopar (Eastern Express Highway).

6. Global Vipassana Pagoda

Famous For: The Global Vipassana Pagoda in Mumbai is the largest meditation hall in the whole world. The Pagoda is built to depict peace and harmony. This hall had been built out of gratitude to Sayagyi U Ba Khin, the first Accountant-General of Independent Burma, who was instrumental in Vipassana returning to India, the country of its origin.

Visiting Hours: You can visit this heritage building from 9 AM to 6:30 PM.

Location: It is located in Gorai Village, Borivali West. The Pagoda is located at about 40 odd kilometer from the Domestic Airport Terminal.

7. The Imperial Tower

Famous For: The Imperial Tower is Mumbai's tallest twin towers, and the tallest skyscraper in India. Completed in 2010, the twin towers have a floor area of about 1,300,000 sq ft, a row of about 2x 60 a floor count and about seventeen elevators. It's present owner is S D Corporation Pvt. Ltd.

Visiting Hours: It is open from 9:30AM to 7 PM each day.

Location: It is located near Tardeo Tower, at Balkrishna Nakashe Marg. A closer location would be the Jaslok Hospital and Research Center.

8.Bandra Worli Sea Link

Famous For: The Bandra Worli Sea Link is the longest cable stayed bridge. It is a famous landmark at Mumbai and connects Bandra with Worli.

Visiting Hours: The Sealink is opened for twenty four hours, so it's always a good time to catch a good look at it.

Location: Bandra is the nearest bus depot (2km) and Bandra Railways Station is the nearest railway station (5 km) to the link. Other than that taxi and auto-rickshaws are also easily available to reach the Sealink.

9. Bombay Castle

Famous For: When the British received control over Bombay, they built a fort around it. also known as Casa de Orta, (named after its builder, a Portuguese nobleman Garcia de Orta.),this fort stands today as the oldest, defensive structures to be built in Mumbai. Presently the building houses the the Flag Officer Commander-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.

Visiting Hours: The castle is open for visitation from 9 AM to 1 PM, Mondays to Saturdays.

Location: You can travel here by bus, It takes 39 min from Kalachowky, Shivadi to Bombay Castle using Bus - 51.

10. Mumba Devi Temple

Famous For: The Mumba Devi temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mumba, after whom the city Mumbai is named after. It is believed to have been built somewhere in the late seventeenth century. It is known for the manner in which the Deinty is adorned with a silver crown and a golden necklace and nose stud.

Visiting Hours: The temple opens in the wee hours of the morning at 4:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM each day.

Location: The temple is located near Zaveri Bazar. You could find your way here by an Uber or a taxi.

So if you are in Mumbai or planning a trip, visit these heritage buildings to explore the historical side of the city. Happy Exploring Peeps!